In the United States, November is recognized as National Diabetes Month. The goal is to spread awareness on how diabetes impacts millions of Americans, with the hope of one day finding a cure.
Diabetes occurs from having an imbalance of sugar in the blood. This sugar, known as glucose, comes from the food you eat. In order to be properly used by the body the hormone insulin, created by the pancreas, is used to extract the glucose from the food. Your cells can then use the glucose to carry out daily life functions. Those with diabetes either do not produce enough insulin or they do not properly use the insulin their body does make. Therefore, in order to survive, those impacted must consistently check their blood sugar and supply themselves with usable insulin. If they fail to do so, serious complications can ensue, including organ failure and death.
One goal of National Diabetes Month is for the public to understand that there are multiple kinds of diabetes. Most people think only two exist, Type 1 and Type 2. However, other uncommon versions of the disease include gestational, prediabetes, and MODY. Each type ultimately involves the same complications from an imbalance of insulin. The main difference between each type is how and when the condition becomes present in the body. Type 1 diabetes becomes prevalent in people at a young age. We do not how or why the disease occurs, thus spurring the movement to conduct more research. Type 2 diabetes on the other hand, is caused by poor diet and obesity. A person who makes these unhealthy lifestyle choices overuses their pancreas. The body eventually stops responding to insulin, which results in normal body functions to stop working properly.
With over 3 million people in the U.S. impacted by diabetes, it is pivotal to find a cure within the near future. Luckily, there exist ways citizens can help. The biggest way to help is to register for a “Walk for the Cure” event sponsored by the American Diabetes Foundation or JDRF. All proceeds go directly towards finding a cure. Those participating are encouraged to walk with friends and family, increasing the attention for the cause. If you do not wish to walk but would still like to help, you can donate directly to the American Diabetes Foundation on their website. Your contribution could be the difference in ending this disease that has impacted millions in the world.
by Justin L.